We’re stronger together

WHEN your house is in flames it is best not to delay the arrival of the fire brigade. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has resisted moves to place the region he represents under the highest level of restrictions.

His complaint that “the North is fed up of being pushed around” is not helpful and risks pitting people from one part of the country against another. Everyone is united in horror at the soaring rates of coronavirus infection in the North- west. It makes no sense to hit all of England with a jobs- destroying lockdown when specific areas require emergency measures now.

There were 670 Covid- 19 cases per 100,000 people in Liverpool from October 6 to 12, and 458 in Manchester – but a mere 35 in North Norfolk. A full national shutdown may be needed if Covid sweeps the country and risks overwhelming the NHS but that is a nightmare scenario.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak responded to the first lockdown with spectacular generosity but the nation risks being pushed towards ruin if the Government subsidises wages at the same level for months to come.

Desperately difficult decisions must be taken. This is not the time for electoral grandstanding but urgent action against a common enemy.